MassEcon will be checking in with our regional members on issues in economic development. Join our conversation leaders as they weigh in on trends, challenges, and best practices in fostering economic opportunity in Massachusetts.
Conversation Leaders:
As the Director of Business Recruitment, Darnell is responsible for spearheading initiatives aimed at attracting new businesses to the Worcester region while fostering the growth and expansion of existing businesses. Before his position at the Chamber, Darnell was a Senior Associate at Rubric Commercial LLC, a full-service, Worcester-based commercial real estate brokerage. There, he concentrated on Landlord and tenant representation for Office and Industrial property in Central Massachusetts. Prior to joining Rubric, he spent nearly a decade in Ecuador providing insightful, data-driven recommendations to real estate clients from North America, Europe, and Asia at Abundant Living Ecuador, a real estate brokerage and property management firm he co-founded.
Roy M. Nascimento, CCE, IOM has served as President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce since January 2015, leading the organization and its affiliates in their mission to build businesses and strengthen communities across the region. Roy comes from a family of small business owners and learned early about both the challenges of entrepreneurship and the vital role small businesses play in their communities. That background drives his commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering economic opportunity throughout North Central Massachusetts. Under his leadership, the region has experienced significant economic growth.
tephanie is a skilled executive director with a background in government relations and regional economic development. She leads the Middlesex 3 Coalition, working with public and private sector partners to advance economic growth, workforce development, and collaboration across the region. Stephanie serves in several community leadership roles, including Chair of the Board of Trustees at Middlesex Community College, member of the Greater Lowell Workforce Development Board, participant in the Hanscom Air Force Base Civic Leadership Program, member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, and a member of the CEDS Committee for the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments.
Aaron Vega: President and CEO, EDC of Western Massachusetts
Aaron Vega became President and CEO, Western Mass Economic Development Council (EDC) at the start of 2026, succeeding Rick Sullivan in the role. Vega most recently held the position of Director of the City of Holyoke’s Office of Planning and Economic Development in which he was instrumental in advancing major housing and redevelopment projects; as well as initiatives to strengthen business support and local economic planning. His career in service of community began prior to that serving from 2013 – 2021 as MA State Representative for the 5th Hampden District, as an Adjunct Political Science Professor at UMass Amherst for four years and before that for two terms as a one of Holyoke’s first Latino at-large councilors, where he served a term as Chair of the Redevelopment Committee.
Jason Palitsch serves as Executive Director of the 495/MetroWest Partnership, a public-private collaboration among businesses, municipalities, and other stakeholders focused on cultivating sustainable economic growth throughout the 495/MetroWest region. Palitsch has led the Partnership since 2020. His previous roles include serving as Government Affairs Manager at Veterans Inc., a 501c3 non-profit serving veterans in need and their families, and as Communications Director to State Senator Michael Moore.
This event is for MassEcon members and invited guests only.
Once registered, you will receive an Outlook invitation with the Teams information.
Have questions? Contact Annie Ladinsky at aladinsky@massecon.com
Thank you to Champion Sponsors Bowditch, Langan, BioMed Realty, Citizens, VHB, CBRE, Eastern Bank, Hunneman, and Middlesex Savings Bank
